Acute Silicosis - Five More Vital Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor
If you have been diagnosed with acute silicosis, you may wish to go over the following five questions with your physician:
1. What will be the line of treatment you will take?
Acute silicosis is generally treated symptomatically. It has no real cure except to allay the occurring symptoms. Thus, a treatment including a combination of any of the following may be prescribed by your doctor:
• Cough suppressants
• Prophylactics for tuberculosis
• Bronchodilators
• Chest physiotherapy such as finger drumming, patting and massage
• Antibiotics for tuberculosis
• Whole-lung lavage (rinsing)
• Lung transplant
• Stopping of smoking or tobacco usage
• Ventilation for lungs to ease breathing
• Corticosteroid therapy
• Inhalation of aluminium, polyvinyl pyridine N-oxide
2. Is there likelihood of any complications arising for me?
Apart from a possibility of respiratory failure or testing positive for tuberculosis, there are no other known complications that arise. In some cases where damage to lungs is extensive, conditions of lung cancer may develop with possibilities of progressive massive fibrosis. Very severe cases also end in fatality.
3. What is the outlook for patients like me?
This will depend upon the damage incurred on the lungs. Your doctor is the best person to inform you of this. Generally the prognosis is good. However, in severe cases, it may lead to fatality.
4. Are there any lifestyle changes I will need to make after recovery?
• Join a support group chapter in your locality
• Quit smoking
• Use air filter and humidifiers in your home
• Wear a mask when you visit any dusty area
5. Are there any prevention tips?
You could:
• Avoid eating and drinking near high risk areas mentioned in the first part of the advocacy sheet
• Use water sprays in dust areas
• Ensure proper ventilation and dry air filters for indoor spaces
• Avoid going to such places altogether
• Put on a mask when you need to be in areas with silicon dust in the air
• Take a bath after returning from such places for the day to wash off the particles settled on your body
• Wash your hands and face after exiting such places
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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